Luce Della Vite 'Luce' Toscana 2019
(Tuscany, Italy) - [JS 99, #28 Top 100 of '22] [DM 97] [WS 94]

About this winery:
In 1995, Vittorio Frescobaldi of Italy's venerable Marchesi de' Frescobaldi joined forces with Napa Valley icon Robert Mondavi to produce a Tuscan red called Luce della Vite. The grapes came from vineyards in Montalcino, adjacent to the Frescobaldis' Castelgiocondo estate. Luce was the first wine from Montalcino made by blending Sangiovese and Merlot grapes, matching the roundness and softness of Merlot with the elegance and structure of Sangiovese.

Tasting Notes:

Luce 2019 has an intense ruby red color. The nose is striking with its floral hints of violet and rose accompanied by red fruits such as raspberries and sweet spices. In the mouth, the wine is balanced and elegant with an almost creamy texture supported by silky and well-integrated tannins. Spicy notes accompany the persistent finish

99 Points - James Suckling, Rank #28 top 100 2022:
"Sophisticated aromas of lead pencil, graphite and blackcurrant. Hints of black olives and herbs, too. Full-bodied, yet tight and deep, with super precision and intensity to the tannins. Incredible balance of structure and finesse to this. Give it time in the cellar. Better after 2027."

97 Points - Decanter:
A dark tone to the nose, black pepper, liquorice and black cherries with hints of rose. So fruit forward and expressive on the palate, a riot of wild strawberries, herbal-touched raspberries and spiced liquorice sticks exude from the glass giving nuance and complexity on the palate. This is clean and crisp with fine but softly creamy tannins, weighty structure and such sweet, succulent fruit. Intense yet delivered with a slight of hand that gives definition and layers, it's fun and serious - just wonderful. So much going on here. Ageing for 24 months in barriques (80% new, 20% one year old)." -GH (3/22)

94 Points - Wine Spectator:
"Rich and deeply colored, evoking black cherry, blackberry, plum, tar, wild herb and spice flavors. Dense yet retains a sense of freshness, with refined tannins lining the finish. Nicely integrated and long. Sangiovese and Merlot. Best from 2024 through 2038. 7,916 cases made, 1,000 cases imported."